Skip to Content
800-533-8762
  • Careers
  • Newsroom
  • Health Care Professionals
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
UPMC
  • Find a Doctor
  • Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
    • Frequently Searched Services
      Allergy & Immunology Behavioral & Mental Health Cancer Ear, Nose & Throat Endocrinology Gastroenterology Heart & Vascular Imaging Neurosciences Orthopaedics
      Physical Rehabilitation Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Primary Care Senior Services Sports Medicine Telemedicine Transplant Surgery Walk-In Care Weight Management Women’s Health
      See all Services
    • Services by Region
    • Find a UPMC health care facility close to you quickly by browsing by region.
      UPMC in Western Pa. Western Pa. and New York
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Services
  • Locations
    • Locations by Type
    • Locations by Type
      UPMC hospitals
      Hospitals
      Physical Therapy
      Physical Therapy
      Urgent care
      Walk-In Care
      UPMC Outpatient Centers
      Outpatient Centers
      UPMC Imaging Services
      Imaging
      Community Health Centers
      Community Health Centers
      See All Locations
    • Locations by Region
    • Locations by Region
      UPMC in Southwest Pa. Southwest Pa.
      UPMC in North Central Pa. North Central Pa.
      UPMC in Northwest Pa and Ny. Northwest Pa. & Western N.Y.
      UPMC in West Central Pa. West Central Pa.
      UPMC in Central Pa. Central Pa.
      UPMC in Western Md. Maryland & West Virginia
    • See All Locations
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
      Patients and Visitors Resources Pay a Bill Classes & Events Medical Records Health Library Patient Information
      Patient Portals Privacy Information Shared Decision Making Traveling Patients Visitor Information
      Man uses mobile phone
      Pay a Bill
      Nurse reviews medical chart
      Request Medical Records
  • Patient Portals
  • Find Covid-19 updates
  • Schedule an appointment
  • Request medical records
  • Pay a bill
  • Learn about financial assistance
  • Find classes & events
  • Send a patient an eCard
  • Make a donation
  • Volunteer
  • Read HealthBeat blog
  • Explore UPMC Careers
Skip to Content
UPMC
  • Patient Portals
  • For Patients & Visitors
    • Find a Doctor
    • Locations
    • Patient & Visitor Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Services
    • More
      • Medical Records
      • Financial Assistance
      • Classes & Events
      • HealthBeat Blog
      • Health Library
  • About UPMC
    • Why UPMC
    • Facts & Stats
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Community Commitment
    • More
      • Financials
      • Support UPMC
      • UPMC Apps
      • UPMC Enterprises
      • UPMC International
  • For Health Care Professionals
    • Physician Information
    • Resources
    • Education & Training
    • Departments
    • Credentialing
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Newsroom
  • UPMC >
  • Our Services >
  • Heart & Vascular >
  • ... >
  • Our Services >
  • Procedures >
  • Aortic Root Surgery
Heart & Vascular
About Us
Conditions We Treat
Our Services
Artificial Heart & Ventricular Device (VAD)
Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
Cardiac Amyloidosis
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardio-Oncology
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Coronary Artery Disease
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Heart Failure
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart Surgery
Heart Valve Disease
Hypertension
Inherited Heart Disease
Interventional Cardiology
Limb Preservation
Pediatric Cardiology
Preventive Cardiology
Sports & Exercise Cardiology
Structural Heart
Telemedicine
Thoracic Aortic Disease
Vascular Surgery
Vein
Women’s Heart
Wound Healing
Procedures
AFib Ablation
Ablation for Varicose and Spider Veins
Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention)
Aortic Root Surgery
Aortic Valve Surgery
Arterial Bypass Surgery
Cardiac (Heart) Catheterization
Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices
Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting (CAS)
Carotid Endarterectomy
Catheter Ablation
Compression Therapy
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
Electrical Cardioversion
Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair
Endarterectomy Surgery
Heart Valve Surgery
Holter Monitor (24-Hour Electrocardiogram Monitoring)
Hybrid Ablation
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion
iSVR: Intercostal Surgical Valve Replacement
Left Atrial Appendage Ligation (LAL)
Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Extraction
MAZE Procedure for AFib
Microphlebectomy
MitraClip® Therapy
Mitral Valve Surgery
Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Ozaki Procedure for Aortic Valve Replacement
Pacemakers
Percutaneous Atherectomy
Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting
Peripheral Vascular Ablation
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
Popliteal Aneurysm Repair
Pulsed Field Ablation
Renal Artery Stenting
Sclerotherapy
Septal Defect Repair
Septal Myectomy
Sternotomy Approach for Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Procedure
Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Aortic Aneurysms (TEVAR)
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Venous Bypass Surgery
Venous Stents
Watchman Device™ for Atrial Fibrillation
Tests
For Patients
For Professionals & Students
Our Locations
Contact Us
Heart & Vascular
About Us
Conditions We Treat
Our Services
Artificial Heart & Ventricular Device (VAD)
Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB)
Cardiac Amyloidosis
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Cardio-Oncology
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiology
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Coronary Artery Disease
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Heart Failure
Heart Rhythm Disorders
Heart Surgery
Heart Valve Disease
Hypertension
Inherited Heart Disease
Interventional Cardiology
Limb Preservation
Pediatric Cardiology
Preventive Cardiology
Sports & Exercise Cardiology
Structural Heart
Telemedicine
Thoracic Aortic Disease
Vascular Surgery
Vein
Women’s Heart
Wound Healing
Procedures
AFib Ablation
Ablation for Varicose and Spider Veins
Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention)
Aortic Root Surgery
Aortic Valve Surgery
Arterial Bypass Surgery
Cardiac (Heart) Catheterization
Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices
Carotid Artery Angioplasty and Stenting (CAS)
Carotid Endarterectomy
Catheter Ablation
Compression Therapy
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery
Electrical Cardioversion
Emergent Aortic Dissection Repair
Endarterectomy Surgery
Heart Valve Surgery
Holter Monitor (24-Hour Electrocardiogram Monitoring)
Hybrid Ablation
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion
iSVR: Intercostal Surgical Valve Replacement
Left Atrial Appendage Ligation (LAL)
Pacemaker and Defibrillator Lead Extraction
MAZE Procedure for AFib
Microphlebectomy
MitraClip® Therapy
Mitral Valve Surgery
Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Ozaki Procedure for Aortic Valve Replacement
Pacemakers
Percutaneous Atherectomy
Peripheral Angioplasty and Stenting
Peripheral Vascular Ablation
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure
Popliteal Aneurysm Repair
Pulsed Field Ablation
Renal Artery Stenting
Sclerotherapy
Septal Defect Repair
Septal Myectomy
Sternotomy Approach for Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Procedure
Thoracic Endovascular Repair for Aortic Aneurysms (TEVAR)
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
Tricuspid Valve Surgery
Venous Bypass Surgery
Venous Stents
Watchman Device™ for Atrial Fibrillation
Tests
For Patients
For Professionals & Students
Our Locations
Contact Us

Chat Keywords List

  • cancel or exit: Stops your conversation
  • start over: Restarts your current scenario
  • help: Shows what this bot can do
  • terms: Shows terms of use and privacy statement
  • feedback: Give us feedback
Continue
Chat with UPMC
RESTART
MENU
CLOSE

Aortic Root Surgery

Your aortic root is the portion of your aorta, or the main artery in your body, that is just above your aortic valve. Aortic root surgery is performed to treat an aortic root aneurysm, which is a weakening in the wall of your aortic root.

UPMC surgeons perform advanced aortic root surgery, including aortic valve-sparing surgery known as the David procedure.



Find a Provider


Find a Location

What Is Aortic Root Surgery?

Your aortic root is the portion of your aorta, or the main artery in your body, that is just above your aortic valve. Aortic root surgery is performed to treat an aortic root aneurysm, which is a weakening in the wall of your aortic root.

When an aneurysm is located in the aortic root, it is impossible to treat it without also addressing the aortic valve. UPMC experts offer the David procedure, a valve-sparing aortic root surgical procedure.

Types of aortic root surgery

Doctors can provide surgical treatment for aortic root aneurysm by:

  • Rebuilding your aortic root and any damaged aortic valves.
  • Using grafts in the vessel.

Types of aortic root surgery include:

Open aneurysm repair surgery

Your surgeon will repair your aortic root aneurysm with a fabric tube called a graft. Your surgeon may use a technique called the David procedure to remove and replace the diseased part of your aorta while preserving your aortic valve.

Endovascular aneurysm repair

Your surgeon may recommend repairing your aortic root aneurysm with a minimally invasive EVAR procedure. Whether or not you can have an EVAR procedure depends on the aneurysm's shape, location, and extent.

Conditions we treat with aortic root surgery

  • Aortic root aneurysm.

Why Would I Need Aortic Root Surgery?

You may need aortic root surgery if your aortic root aneurysm is 50 percent larger than the rest of your artery. Doctors mainly suggest surgery when an aortic root dilation reaches five centimeters.

Who’s a candidate for aortic root surgery?

If you have been diagnosed with an aortic root aneurysm, you may be a candidate for surgery if you are at high risk of a life-threatening aortic rupture. Aortic aneurysm rupture is a serious, life-threatening condition with a low survival rate.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Aortic Root Surgery?

Like any medical procedure, aortic root surgery can have risks, including:

  • Bleeding.
  • Blood clots.
  • Heart attack.
  • Kidney failure.
  • Lung infections.
  • Stroke.

What Should I Expect From Aortic Root Surgery?

Before: How to prepare for aortic root surgery

Your doctor will explain the aortic root surgical procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

  • Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
  • Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
  • Tell your doctor if you have heart valve disease, as you may need to receive an antibiotic before the procedure.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.
  • Fast for a certain period of time prior to the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
  • Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home. If you have a CPAP machine, please bring it with you.

You may need to stay in the hospital for several days after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

How long does aortic root surgery take?

Aortic root surgery takes 4-6 hours, depending on the complexity of your procedure.

During your aortic root surgery

You will be positioned on a table and placed under general anesthesia. After you are asleep, you will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that will take over the function of your heart and lungs during your operation. Your doctor will then make an incision in your chest to access your heart and aortic root.

David procedure for aortic root repair

Depending on your condition, your doctor may be able to remove and replace the diseased section of your aorta while preserving your aortic valve. This valve-sparing technique is called the David procedure.

During the David procedure, your surgeon will remove your ascending aorta and coronary arteries just above your aortic valve, attach a synthetic graft with small stitches, and reattach your coronary arteries to the synthetic graft. As a result, the David procedure eliminates the need to replace your aortic valve with a mechanical valve.

An advantage of the valve-sparing aortic root replacement procedure is that you will not need blood-thinning medications. The synthetic graft used in the David procedure is very durable, and your own aortic valve can function normally.

Endovascular aortic root repair

Your surgeon will repair your aorta using a graft attached to a small tube called a catheter. The catheter is inserted into a small incision in your leg and guided to the damaged area of your aorta.

Recovery after aortic root surgery

When your procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and monitoring. Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery. Most people spend about a week in the hospital after open aortic root surgery, but people who have an endovascular repair may have a shorter hospital stay.

Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery after aortic root surgery and will let you know when you can resume your normal activities.

Most people completely recover in 2-3 months after open surgery. If you had an endovascular repair, your recovery may be faster. You should follow your doctor's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

When to call your doctor about aortic root surgery complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

  • Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the incision site.
  • Chest pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Fainting.
  • Severe pain, coldness, numbness, or discoloration in the limb where the catheter was inserted.
  • A fever of more than 100.0°F.

If any of these symptoms are severe or if you experience loss of consciousness, you should dial 911 immediately.

What’s the prognosis after aortic root surgery?

Many patients can live full, active lives with routine follow-up care after aortic root surgery. However, to reduce the risk of aortic injury, you may need to avoid strenuous activity and take medication.

What’s the success rate of aortic root surgery?

Aortic root surgery is highly successful at reducing the risk of aortic rupture and preventing the recurrence of an aortic root aneurysm.

Why Choose UPMC for Aortic Root Surgery?

Our specialists are among the most experienced in the region at performing aortic root surgery. We use the latest valve-sparing techniques whenever possible to preserve the normal function of your aortic valve and eliminate the need for lifelong blood-thinning medications.


By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.

UPMC
200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, PA 15213

412-647-8762 800-533-8762

Patients And Visitors
  • Find a Doctor
  • Locations
  • Pay a Bill
  • Patient & Visitor Resources
  • Disabilities Resource Center
  • Services
  • Medical Records
  • No Surprises Act
  • Price Transparency
  • Financial Assistance
  • Classes & Events
  • Health Library
Health Care Professionals
  • Physician Information
  • Resources
  • Education & Training
  • Departments
  • Credentialing
Newsroom
  • Newsroom Home
  • Inside Life Changing Medicine Blog
  • News Releases
About
  • Why UPMC
  • Facts & Stats
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Community Commitment
  • Financials
  • Supporting UPMC
  • HealthBeat Blog
  • UPMC Apps
  • UPMC Enterprises
  • UPMC Health Plan
  • UPMC International
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
Life changing is...
Follow UPMC
  • Contact Us
  • Website/Email Terms of Use
  • Medical Advice Disclaimer
  • Privacy Information
  • Active Privacy Alerts
  • Sitemap
© 2025 UPMC I Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences Supplemental content provided by Healthwise, Incorporated. To learn more, visit healthwise.org
Find Care
Providers
Video Visit
Portal Login